Man, 32, charged along with dead accomplice for robbery

A 32-year-old man has been charged by the police for conspiring with another man (now dead) to commit armed robbery.

The defendant, Reagan Odor Abaka, according to the charge allegedly conspired with one “Okwudiri, surname yet unknown now deceased, on or about May 13, 2017 at Gwagwalada, Abuja, to commit felony to wit: armed robbery.”

The second count also alleged that the defendant and the deceased person while armed with guns broke into the house of one Dr. Uwakwe Abugu and robbed his entire household of their properties including N10,000 cash, a laptop, four mobile phones and two wristwatches.

When the charge was read to the suspect, he pleaded not guilty.

However, when the prosecution counsel, Augustine Urom asked the court to adjourn the matter to a date in March for commencement of trial, the application was rejected.

The trial judge, Justice Peter Affen, said it was unfair for the prosecution to ask for a date in March when the defendant’s liberty is at stake.

The judge noted that the defendant was earlier arraigned in September during court vacation and yesterday’s arraignment was supposed to be mere formality.

“What prevented you from bringing your witnesses today (Tuesday)? We fixed the matter for another date, you did not come. Now, you want a date in March. Put yourself in the shoes of the defendant.

“If I adjourn this case and the state is not ready, I will strike out the case,” the judge said, urging the prosecutor to be up and doing to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done in the eyes of the public.

He thereafter adjourned the matter to February 19 for commencement of trial.